How to become a Boston constable

How to become a Boston constable

Before you get started

To apply to become a constable, you need to meet one of these requirements:

you must have at least three years of documented experience as a licensed constable before applying, or

you need to provide a certificate that shows you received constable training. The City does not have an approved course for training.

Step

2

Submit your application

You can pick up an application after January 1 at the Boston Police Department’s Licensing Unit:

1 Schroeder Plaza, Room 104

Roxbury Crossing, Boston, MA 02120

The Boston police only take applications from January 1 to February 15. You cannot submit an application after February 15.

You will need all of the following documents to apply:

a valid Massachusetts driver's license with a Boston address

a US birth certificate, valid US passport or naturalization papers as proof of citizenship

a high school diploma, general equivalence diploma (GED) or college diploma, and

proof of your City of Boston residency. This could include a copy of your voter registration or your utility bills. We don't accept vehicle registrations, cell phone bills, or credit card bills.

You will also need to have five (5) reputable residents of the City of Boston sign your application showing that you are of good moral character. One of them must be a member in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar of Board Overseers. Their names and signatures must be legible.

You need to have your application notarized. The notary’s information must be legible. We prefer a raised Notary Seal.

You must complete your application or it will be denied.

Step

3

Wait for the City's response

The Licensing Unit conducts background checks and sends a list of candidates to City Hall. Through a process that includes the Mayor and City Council, the City approves a list of applicants.

Step

4

If you're approved, get insurance and a bond

We will send you a letter informing you of your appointment as a constable candidate. You are required to obtain insurance and file a bond with the Treasury Office at Boston City Hall.

You will then receive a letter informing you when to report to be sworn-in as a City of Boston Constable and how to pay your required fee. The fee for a three-year constable term is $450.

Step

1

Before you get started

On January 2, the Boston police make renewal forms available to all current constables.

You can pick up an application at the Boston Police Department’s Licensing Unit:

1 Schroeder Plaza, Room 104

Roxbury Crossing, Boston, MA 02120

Step

2

Submit your application

You need to give your completed renewal form to the Boston Police Department’s Licensing Unit. The deadline to give the unit your application is February 15.

Step

3

Wait for the City's response

The Licensing Unit does background checks and sends a list of candidates to City Hall. Through a process that includes the mayor and City Council, we get a list of approved applicants.

Step

4

If you're approved, confirm you are insured and bonded

We will send you a letter telling you that we approved your renewal application. You need to confirm you are still insured and bonded with the Treasury Office at Boston City Hall.

You will get a letter telling you when to report to be sworn-in as a City of Boston constable, and how to pay your required fee. The fee for a three-year constable term is $450.

Need to Know:

You will be fingerprinted when you submit your application. The Boston Police Licensing Unit uses your fingerprints to conduct a state and national criminal history check. You will be charged a non-refundable $50 fee for this background check, which is separate from the fee the City Clerk collects.

If you have questions about your application, call the Boston Police Licensing Unit at 617-343-4425.